Characters of Mayan Folklore
The ancient Mayan culture is rich with mythology and folklore. These stories are part of the oral tradition that village people passed down through the generations. Most stories were created to entertain, but many also served the purpose of deterring people from doing dangerous or immoral things. In Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Adventure, Bubba and Squirt encounter two popular characters: The alux (ah-loosh) and Tate Duende (Tah-tay Du-en-day).
The Alux
The alux is a gnome-like character who resembles a miniature traditionally dressed Mayan man. If a farmer wanted protection for his crops and family, he went to the high priest of the village with a food offering. In exchange, the high priest created a clay statue of the alux. The process was quite involved and included mixing the clay with fluids and skins of animals so that the alux would have the finest traits of those animals. A little blood from the farmer was also added to ensure loyalty. If the alux was well-cared for by being given shelter, corn, and tortillas, it would bring favorable weather and protect the farmer’s crops. Anyone who mistreated it would experience sickness and bad dreams. It also punished anyone who was lazy, neglectful of their duties, or caused harm to the owner’s family or possessions.
When not guarding its owner’s property, the alux could be a rather mischievous character, playing in the forest, hiding in caves, and befriending animals to convince them not to harm its owner’s belongings.
The alux in the story is the one who helps Bubba find the Mayan treasure.
The Tate Duende
The Tate Duende is the Mayan guardian of the forest. “Tate” means “grandfather” and “duende” is Spanish for “goblin.” That’s exactly what he looks like — an old goblin. He’s about three feet tall, has a long, bushy beard, and a troll-like face. He’s pictured wearing a red, wide-brimmed hat and animal-skin clothes. Other notable features are that his feet point backwards, and his thumbs are missing.
He is said to be kind by nature but cruel to anyone who is a danger to the forest. If anyone dares to take too much from the forest or harm any of the wildlife there, they will most likely lose their own thumbs and be banished to a place far away. Don’t mess with the Tate Duende!
The Tate Duende is the character who awakens magic within Bubba.
Sherry Ellis is an
award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the
violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis and her family live in Atlanta, Georgia.
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I love the fact that while BUBBA AND SQUIRT'S MAYAN ADVENTURE is in the juvenile genre to help teach youngsters, it's also a fascinating story for adults.
ReplyDeleteChrys, thanks for being a part of Sherry's tour and sharing this with your readers.
You're welcome, Mason! I love to help out and have a soft spot for middle grade books. <3
DeleteI loved all the folklore characters in the book.
ReplyDeleteThank you for featuring Sherry and her book today.
Of course, I love to help the authors I edit for. <3
DeleteNo thumbs and backwards feet? Quite the character.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I thought! That's why he had to be in my book. :)
DeleteThis is a book for all ages. I'll probably give my copy to the young ones in the family to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI hope they enjoy it!
DeleteThose are some interesting creatures. I'm glad they made their way into the story.
ReplyDeleteI think kids will enjoy them, too!
DeleteGood luck to Sherry on her book. Have been a follower for quite a time.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Thanks for stopping by my tour stops!
DeleteThank you for having me as a guest and participating in my blog tour! I hope people enjoy reading about some of the characters from Mayan folklore.
ReplyDeleteThe mythology behind the story sounds so interesting. Congrats on your new book, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Natalie!
DeleteCongratulations on Sherry's new book and wow, you edited it, that's wonderful! The Mayan world is so unique and was spread over so much of Central America (I've been to Mayan sites in Honduras, Guatemala and the Yucatan of Mexico.
ReplyDeletewww.thepulpitandthepen.com
Hi, Jeff! I've been to a few Mayan ruins in Mexico, too. Not to Honduras or Guatemala. Those would be interesting to see.
DeleteChrys is a great editor!
This sounds like an amazing and imaginative read, Chrys. Congratulations, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa!
DeleteHi Chrys and Sherry - it sounds a great adventure for Bubba and Squirt - a fun book I would think ... and I hope successful. Take care - Hilary
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hilary! I hope it's successful, too! :)
DeleteThank you, Patricia!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great story, fun for the kids and a cool dive into another culture.
ReplyDelete